LOR USB485b dongle to drive LOR controller via DMX

[patdelaney]

I'm trying to test a hardware configuration for a friend and I am having some issues.

We are trying to use the LOR usb485b as a dmx dongle in Xlights to control a LOR controllers.
It's my understanding that LOR (dongle or controllers) are looking for the signal on pins 4 & 5.
So if I am using a NON LOR dongle (Entec or EntecPro) I need a crossover cable (1 & 2 to 4 & 5)
I have an Xdongle (configured in Xlights as DMX) using the Cross over cable and it works as expected.

My next test was to configure the LOR usb485b in Xlights as OpenDMX
Use standard cat5 cable to go from LOR dongle to LOR Controller. (4 & 5 to 4 & 5)
When I try to test the lights via Xlights test tab I get errattic behaviour. It's communicating, but lights will just blink off and then back on randomly.

This happens on CTB16PCg3 boards as well as the CMB24D.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Is using the LORdonge for DMX on LOR boards supported?

Thanks
Pat

[jnealand]

I've sold all my LOR boxes, but I believe that in order to get DMX using pure LOR hardware you must use the IDMX adapter and not the USB485 adapter.  They do work great using the Lynx dongle, I've done that.  Just needs a small conversion cable at the first LOR box in a string.

[JonB256]

Pat, I know that my D-Light RS485 dongles would work for DMX (not great, sometimes) but I never owned an LOR dongle.

As you said, a crossover for 1-2 to 4-5 works. That is is what I still use for some of my old D-Light DMX boards (AC and DC and Firefli)

Your most stable bet will always be to use an Open DMX or Pro DMX usb dongle. Better waveforms for stable output.

[jeffl]

LOR said they work but when I tested mine they didn't work.  They were sporadic at best.  I think the newer ones do but not the older ones.  From what I remember it has to do with the speed of the chip in them is not fast enough.

[patdelaney]

Thanks for the feed back. My friend ordered the Xdongle (I have 2 of them and they work great) from Seasonal Entertainment LLC.

Pat

[jeffl]

I think about anything else will work.  I used the Lynx dongle and Entec Pro.  Both work well.